Anora Group appoints Kirsi Puntila as CEO amid business restructuring 

FINLAND – Helsinki-based spirits company Anora Group has named Kirsi Puntila as its new CEO, effective immediately.  

She succeeds Jacek Pastuszka, who announced his decision to step down in October. 

Puntila has been with Anora and its predecessor, Altia, since 2014. Most recently, she served as senior vice president of Anora’s spirits business, overseeing the distillation of Koskenkorva vodka.  

Throughout her tenure, she has held key leadership roles, including spirits category director and marketing director at Altia. 

Before joining Anora, Puntila worked in various international roles at Pernod Ricard, serving as global marketing manager for Absolut Flavors and Kahlua. 

Michael Holm Johansen, chairperson of Anora’s board of directors, praised Puntila’s leadership experience and deep understanding of the company’s operations.  

“Kirsi Puntila is an experienced executive in the beverage industry and a well-respected leader at Anora,” he stated.  

“Having worked closely with Jacek over the past year, Kirsi will ensure continuity in our short-term priorities on improving profitability and the balance sheet. Her extensive knowledge of Anora’s business is a clear asset for us, putting her in an excellent position to lead Anora towards its mid-term strategy update and, ultimately, towards our 2030 strategic goals.” 

In addition to her new role, Puntila will continue leading the spirits segment until a successor is appointed. 

Financial struggles 

Her appointment comes at a time when Anora is navigating financial challenges. In 2024, the company reported a 4.7% decline in net sales to €692 million (US$718.5 million), with its spirits segment dropping by 4.2%.  

However, EBITDA increased slightly to €68.9 million (US$71.4 million), up from €68.2 million (US$70.7 million) in 2023.  

The spirits division’s comparable EBITDA fell by 5.7%, from €40.3 million (US$41.8 million) in 2023 to €38 million (US$39 million) in 2024. 

Anora also noted a downturn in its industrial segment, citing lower selling prices due to falling grain costs and reduced production output. 

Looking ahead, the company is expanding its footprint in the Baltics, with a commercial unit set to launch in Lithuania in the first half of 2025.  

This new unit will manage sales and marketing for selected Anora brands. 

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